Four tips on how to travel on a budget in 2021

Hopefully, in the not too distant future, many Americans will feel safe to travel and enjoy time in public around other people again. Since many countries are still administering vaccinations and have their borders closed or restricted, the best option for a lot of travel-eager Americans may be to travel domestically. 

The United States is a large country with a diverse landscape and a lot to see and do. If you are itching to get out of your home and your town to go do something somewhere new, your own country’s backyard has a lot to offer. 

When you are ready to hit the road or the skies, it is important to make sure you have a plan to travel within your budget so you can enjoy your time and not have to stress over money. Our team wants you to have the best time on your trip, so here are some tips on how to travel on a budget this year.

How to travel on a budget

1. Perfect your timing — When it is summertime, a lot of people want to head to the beach. Airlines and hotels are very aware of this, so prices tend to be higher for travel and accommodations in these destinations during peak season.
   
   If you want to be a thrifty traveler, research the peak and valley seasons of your destination and time your trip in the valleys to save yourself some money. Go a few weeks before, or a few weeks after the peak season, and you might be surprised at the savings.
   
2. Be early and get the best deals — When you know where you want to go and when, it is usually best to buy your tickets and book accommodation as much in advance as possible. This can help you lock in the best prices and may also help you avoid last-minute cancellation fees if you need to postpone your trip.
   
3. Pay attention to taxes and fees — Cancellation fees, overweight baggage, hotel minifridge items, and of course, taxes can all add up catch you off guard if you are not paying attention. When planning your travel budget, take all possible taxes and fees into consideration and make sure you are able to cover them.
   
4. Get out of your comfort zone — Do you usually like to stay in a nice hotel or fly first class? If you want to travel on a budget, you might want to consider something different. Fly economy and spare your pocketbook hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars for a short, domestic flight. Consider staying in a campground or an affordable Airbnb to cut back on your accommodation expenses. 

Talk to a ProVise CFP® professional about making a financial plan that enables you to travel

At ProVise Management Group, our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals can get to know you and your current financial circumstances, goals, risk tolerance and personal values to help you develop a plan that works for you. We can also create a written plan for you at a fiduciary standard of care. All our written plans come with an unconditional money-back guarantee. If you are unhappy with your written plan, you can return it to us, and we will refund 100% of the fee paid.

Are you ready to talk to a professional about how to travel on a budget? Contact ProVise today to schedule a complimentary consultation.